Jude Southerland Kessler

Kessler began writing the first volume on The John Lennon Series in 1986, spending 20 years positioning herself as one of the top Lennon research authorities by conducting multiple interviews in Liverpool, UK, and the United States; by collecting and reading hundreds of books about Lennon; and by utilizing numerous interview DVDs, CDs,and periodicals. She has taught classes on The Beatles for public schools and colleges and has advised numerous Beatles’ authors about the facts versus the myths of John Lennon’s life.

Kessler’s first 3 books have received positive reviews and acclaim as ” the only factional” narrative biography, to quote Beatles author and Mersey Beat creator, Bill Harry. Steve Marinucci of BeatlesExaminer referred to Kessler’s books as “expanded biographies” of Lennon. Penned as narrative histories, they allow the reader to be a fly on the wall at all events in Lennon’s life. The books are documented with thousands of footnotes and references, as well as endnotes with additional data.

Ms. Kessler has dual degrees in English and in History, and a Master’s in English from the University of Maryland. She speaks professionally to organizations all over the country, was a the keynote speaker for the Pennsylvania State Convention of the Daughters of the British Empire, and has written for Beatlefan Magazine, BeatlesNews, and many other publications.

In late November, 2008, she published “Shoulda Been There” about the life of John Lennon from 1940 to 1961, and in October 2009, Kessler released “Shivering Inside,” covering the Lennon years of signing with Epstein, acquiring Ringo as The Beatles’ drummer, and The Beatles’ subsequent rise to British fame. Her third volume, She Loves You (mid-April 1963-2 March 1964) was released in 2014 and details the life of John Lennon and of The Beatles as they exist in the whirlwind of worldwide Beatlemania.

Jude Southerland Kessler is the radio host for The John Lennon Hour on BlogTalkRadio each Thursday evening at 9pm ET. She has interviewed Pete Best, Dennis Ferrante, Freda Kelly, Richard Langham, and many other primary sources who played pivotal roles in The Beatles Story.